Chesapeake Bay Cruise

The Chesapeake Bay abounds in history and culture. From the vibrant harbor of Baltimore, travel to Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Jamestown, known as the "Historic Triangle." In Yorktown, visit monumental battlefields and authentic colonial homes. Stroll through the narrow streets of a Colonial Williamsburg, nearly unchanged since the days of the first English colonists. In Jamestown, learn about this first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Discover why Crisfield, once a small fishing village is now considered “The Crab Capital of the World,” and sail on an authentic skipjack in Cambridge. Take a trolley tour through the charming streets of Annapolis and listen to amazing stories about its 350-year history from our local expert guide.

Early Bird Discount: Book early and Save $400 or more per stateroom on this cruise.

Cruise Itinerary

Chesapeake Bay Cruise

On your 7 day-cruise along the scenic shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay, you will pass shipwrights, marinas, and lighthouses, and glide into ports accessible only to small cruise ships.

Ports of Call

Baltimore, MD

Yorktown / Williamsburg, VA

Crisfield, MD / Tangier, VA

Cambridge, MD / Oxford, MD

St. Michaels, MD

Annapolis, MD

Baltimore, MD

Day by Day

Day
1Baltimore, MD

Baltimore is a great maritime city, alive with excitement, colonial history, and a busy harbor scene. Explore its history aboard the decks of celebrated ships and on the cobblestone streets of the charming Inner Harbor. Visit Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner".

Day
2Yorktown / Williamsburg, VA

Step back in time in a town that transformed the history of a nation. Yorktown is known for its monumental battlefields, authentic colonial homes, and storied past. Discover museum exhibits, recreated Continental Army camps, and restored homes from the 1700's. Also visit Colonial Williamsburg, once the political and economic center of the Virginia Colony, today the world's premier living history site.

Yorktown Trolley and Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown make up what is known as the "Historic Triangle." Colonial Williamsburg is the restored 18th-century capital of Britain's largest empire outpost in the New World. The port of Yorktown was the site of the final battle of the American Revolution. Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century American history, tells the story of America's first permanent English colony settled in 1607. A complimentary trolley stops at nine different locations throughout historic Yorktown, including battlefields and the Watermen's Museum. Transportation is also available to Colonial Williamsburg with shuttles to the Jamestown Settlement.

Day
3Crisfield, MD / Tangier, VA

Settled in 1608 by Captain John Smith, the charming island of Tangier retains many customs and much of the appearance of an earlier era. Stroll through the delightful village, crab shanties, shops, and unique homes, on a personalized guided walking tour of the "Blue Crab Capital of the World."

Tangier Island Ferry & History Museum

Enjoy a ferry ride to the unique island of Tangier. Upon arrival, explore the island at your leisure before heading back to the mainland. As you stroll through the streets you will be transported back in time to experience the life of a true Chesapeake waterman. Stop in the charming Tangier Island History Museum and learn about the history of the working watermen.

Crisfield Walking Tour

Crisfield began as a small fishing village and grew to become the "Crab Capital of the World." Enjoy a guided stroll through downtown Historic Crisfield and hear stories spanning over four centuries. View the map that Captain John Smith created when he first met the natives in 1608. Listen to stories of the first settlers, and learn about the battles that took place in this town including those with pirates, the British in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, as well as the first naval battle of America.

Tangier Island Ferry & History Museum - Complimentary Excursion

Enjoy the 75-minute ferry ride to the unique island of Tangier. Upon arrival on the island, enjoy a buffet lunch at Lorraine’s Restaurant which will include: Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes, Chesapeake Style Clam Fritters, Virginia Ham, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Pickled Beets, Apple Sauce, Green Beans, Hot Corn Pudding, Home-Made Rolls, Butter Pound Cake, and Beverages. Following lunch, explore the island at your leisure before heading back to the mainland. As you stroll through the streets you will be transported back in time to experience the life of a true Chesapeake waterman. Stop in the charming Tangier Island History Museum for a self-guided tour and learn about the history of the working watermen. Island locals offer narrated golf cart tours for $5/person.

Day
4Cambridge, MD / Oxford, MD

Cambridge is an authentic Chesapeake town known for its rich history, beautiful buildings, and vibrant arts scene. Sail on an authentic skipjack or visit the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and witness the diverse wildlife and shorebirds that inhabit the area. Explore Oxford, a charming coastal village and one of the oldest towns in America. Discover its rich maritime history, with houses dating back to the late 1600s, fascinating museums, and the original Oxford-Bellevue Ferry.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center immerses visitors in Tubman’s world through informative, evocative and emotive exhibits. The immersive displays show how the landscape of the Choptank River region shaped her early years and the importance of her faith, family and community. The exhibits also feature information about Tubman’s life beginning with her childhood in Maryland, her emancipation from slavery, her time as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and her continuous advocacy for justice.

Skipjack Nathan

Since the 1880s, skipjacks - a type of sailboat developed for oyster dredging - have sailed the Chesapeake Bay. There once were as many as 800 of these vessels, but fewer than two dozen of the original dredge boats remain today. Of these, only a handful still dredge for oysters, the last remnant of America's surviving commercial sailing fleet. Visit the skipjack Nathan for a unique opportunity to experience your own skipjack trip on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Sail on the scenic Choptank River, help raise her sails or take a turn at the helm.

Choptank River Lighthouse - Complimentary Excursion

Take a short walk to visit the Choptank River Lighthouse. The lighthouse keeper will greet you upon arrival and speak about the history of the lighthouse that is a replica of a historic lighthouse that once guided mariners along the Choptank River. The lighthouse features a mini-museum for you to explore.

Historic Oxford Walking Tour

A charming, tree-lined and water bound village with a population of less than 1,000, Oxford is one of the oldest towns in America with a long maritime history. Enjoy a walking tour led by a local guide who will narrate the history of this picturesque town from its founding in 1683 to its prominence as an international shipping center and beyond.

Day
5St. Michaels, MD

Stroll along the waterfront of St. Michaels, or peruse the charming gift shops and boutiques on tree-lined Talbot Street. As you dock at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, once a famed shipbuilding village, get a glimpse into life in the 1800's.

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

This 18-acre waterfront museum, which is dedicated to furthering the understanding of the maritime heritage of the Chesapeake Bay area, features 10 exhibit buildings, a historic lighthouse, and a working boatyard. Docking right in the heart of the museum, American Cruise Lines’ passengers will enjoy a private tour of this fascinating site.

Winnie Estelle Ecology Cruise

Enjoy this fascinating cruise that focuses on Chesapeake Bay’s history, ecology, and economics. During the cruise, witness critters on an oyster reef and try your hand at water quality testing. Bird watchers will enjoy the route, known for its eagle and osprey population and heron rookery. Don’t forget your camera!

Day
6Annapolis, MD

This 18th-century port pleasingly preserves its Colonial American charm. With city streets boasting thousands of historic buildings in several different architectural styles, Annapolis is often called a "museum without walls."This vibrant city is also home to the United States Naval Academy, a National Historic Landmark.

Annapolis Trolley Tour

Annapolis, the state capital of Maryland, was founded in 1649, served briefly as the nation's capital in 1783, and boasts more 18th-century brick buildings than any other city in the country. Your one-hour trolley tour travels through the charming historic streets of the 1690s, while your guide introduces you to 350 years of Annapolis' living history, architecture, and folklore. Along the way, you will see and hear about three homes of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

U.S. Naval Academy Tour

Founded in 1845 by the Secretary of the Navy, the U.S. Naval Academy is located in the heart of historic Annapolis. You can experience "life on the yard," as you tour the academy's grounds with our expert guide. During this walking tour, catch the noon meal formation or take in breathtaking views of the campus. Passengers will need a Photo ID in order to take this tour.

Day
7Baltimore, MD

Spend your day visiting Baltimore, one of America's finest cities. A number of excursions are available for you and your travel group, many related to Baltimore's deep maritime history. Make sure you tour the Baltimore Aquarium and Civil War Museum as well.

Independence

The Independence is equipped with the largest staterooms in the industry, most featuring a private balcony. With the latest in navigation and safety technology, the Independence is fully stabilized, allowing American Cruise Lines to reach even more fascinating destinations in smooth comfort. Complete with an exercise area and putting green, the Independence offers guests a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

Owner's Suite (Private Balcony)

Experience complete comfort in this spacious private sanctuary where you can feel right at home. At 350 sq. ft. the Owner’s Suite is quite roomy and features a full-size bathroom. Enjoy a large sitting area, writing desk, closet, and a private balcony offering expansive views from a stunning vantage point.

AAC (Private Balcony)

These staterooms are centrally located on the top deck which provides stunning panoramic views. Enjoy 283 sq. ft. of comfortable living space, comparable to a fine hotel room. All also offer private walk-out balconies and a generously sized bathroom.

AAL (Private Balcony)

AAL staterooms are a spacious retreat with all the amenities a modern traveler expects. Each room offers 263 sq. ft. of space encompassing a full-size bathroom and a private balcony with scenic views.

A

These comfortable staterooms located on the main deck offer 258 sq. ft. of living space and are a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration. They feature full-size bathrooms, interior entrances, and large opening picture windows for scenic views.

Single (Private Balcony)

Single staterooms offer the solo traveler a quiet enclave to rest and relax. Our Single suites feature twin beds, spacious bathrooms, and your very own private balcony.

Single

Located on the main deck, our Single staterooms offer guests 207 sq. ft. of space with premium beds, spacious bathrooms, and an opening picture window with private views.

Independence Deck Plan

American Star

The American Star offers guests the same style of cruising that has become the hallmark of American Cruise Lines. From charming small towns to gracious ports, the American Star brings guests to places of historic interest and magnificent beauty. Onboard, guests can unwind in the friendly and accommodating atmosphere, as they enjoy personalized service by an attentive, all-American staff.

Owner's Suite (Private Balcony)

Experience complete comfort in this spacious private sanctuary where you can feel right at home. At 350 sq. ft. the Owner’s Suite is quite roomy and offers a full-size bathroom. Enjoy a large sitting area, a writing desk, closet, and a private balcony offering expansive views from a stunning vantage point.

AAC (Private Balcony)

These 283 sq. ft. staterooms are located on the top deck which provides privacy and great panoramic views. The living space is comparable to that of a fine hotel room and offers a writing desk, a closet, a full-size bathroom and a private balcony.

AAL (Private Balcony)

AAL staterooms are a spacious retreat with all the amenities a modern traveler expects. Each room offers 263 sq. ft. of space encompassing a full-size bathroom, a private balcony, and a large opening picture window.

AA

AA Category staterooms are the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration. Each 258 sq. ft. room has a large opening picture window with views of the passing scenery. The rooms also offer full-size bathrooms and plenty of closet space.

A

A category rooms are a quiet enclave for total relaxation. They come equipped with a full assortment of modern amenities and a large opening picture window. Each room is 258 sq. ft. and is ideal for cruising the inland waterways of the East Coast.

Single (Private Balcony)

The intimate atmosphere of each Single stateroom is ideal for the solo traveler. At 248 sq. ft. each room has a twin bed, a full-size bathroom, a private balcony, and plenty of room to spread out and make yourself at home.

American Star Deck Plan

Crabfest Cruise

Cruise the scenic Chesapeake Bay and delight your palate with fresh seafood from the "Blue Crab Capital of the World". On our 8-day Chesapeake Bay Crabfest cruise, you will sample tasty blue crab while learning about the culinary and economic importance of this Callinectes sapidus, or "beautiful swimmer."

Eagle Society Cruise

Explore early America on an 8-day cruise that brings you to such historical destinations as Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. Cruise through the beautiful waters of Chesapeake Bay and enjoy stops in quaint island towns including Crisfield, Oxford, and St. Michaels. You will also get a taste of the bay's famed Blue Crab on Tangier Island, known as the Crab Capital of the World.

Fall Foliage Cruise

Cruise the scenic Chesapeake Bay with American Cruise Lines this fall and enjoy picturesque views during peak foliage from Baltimore to Annapolis. Delight your palate with fresh seafood from the "Blue Crab Capital of the World," as you pass shipwrights, marinas, and lighthouses, gliding into ports accessible only to small cruise ships. Immerse yourself in the colonial heritage of Yorktown and Williamsburg, and enjoy a guided tour of U.S. the Naval Academy, located in the heart of historic Annapolis.

Deck Plan

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Early Bird Discount

Book your cruise 9 months in advance and save.
Call a Cruise Specialist to learn about our current offers.
Call 800.460.4518 Reservations office open 7 days a week

Videos

Chesapeake Bay Cruise with American Cruise Lines

From major naval battles to the blue crab capital of the world, a Chesapeake Bay river cruise is full of history and culture. Along the shore you'll pass shipwrights, marinas and scenic lighthouses, gliding into ports accessible only to your small ship. The villages are steeped in centuries of history, having played crucial roles in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Step back into the past with a visit to Colonial Williamsburg living history museum, or stroll through the narrow streets of a quaint island, abundant with crab shanties, and listen for a unique native accent thought to be nearly unchanged since the days of the first English colonists.

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We provide guests an extraordinary river cruising experience while exploring the historic waterways of the United States. Cruise in comfort aboard our modern fleet of river boats and paddlewheelers. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, exceptional cuisine, and personalized service on every cruise.